Adding to the subdued sentiment, a survey released on Sunday showed that activity in China’s manufacturing sector expanded for the second month in a row in April but only marginally, raising doubts about the sustainability of a recent pick-up in the economy.

That weighed on Australian shares , which fell 0.6 percent. Disappointing results from Westpac Banking Corp (WBC.AX) failed to help the mood.

Australia’s central bank board will meet for a policy review on Tuesday and is widely expected to keep its cash rate at a record low of 2.0 percent, though some economists expect a cut.